GIFT   OF 


and  other  selected 


From  the  Writings  of 

Arthur    Franklin    Fuller 

(Literary  Production  No.  38j 

AUTHOR  OF 

A  Book  of  Poems,  Vol.  1 

A  Book  of  Poems,  Vol.  2 

The  Golden  Chalice  and  Other  Poems 

By  the  Fire-Wace  and  Other  Poems 

^Brother  tMine  and  Other  Poems 

Friendship  and  Other  Writings 

The  Joyous  Life — Seven  Essays:  19  The  Joyous 
Life;  2,  Education;  3,  At  the  Foot  of  the  tRain- 
bo'w;  4,  oAmbition;  5,  Benevolence;  6,  Faith; 
7,  Work 

Wrestling  the  Wolf 

oAn  Old  Soldiery 

Kathleen 

£Music  Lore,  and  27  Other  Books 

Published  By 

ANCHOR  PUBLISHING  CO., 
1138  S.  Valencia  Street  Los  Angeles,  California 


California          .... 

A  Good  World      .        .        . 

The  Quest  of  Life  . 

The  Miracle  of  Love     . 

Brown   Eyes    .... 

Blue  Eyes        .... 

I've  Found  a  Man 

Remembered     .  •     . 

A  Happy  Pair 

Farewell  .... 

Little   Blossom 

Good  Cheer     .... 

What  Is  Love 

I  Wonder  Why      .        .        . 
A  Woman's   Love 
Anchorage        .... 
Because  I  Know  You  Love  Me 
The   Narrow  Way 

The   Lode-Star 

Seeker's  Song  .... 

Waiting 

Heart  Courageous  . 

The  Ultimate  .... 

II  Cammino  (The  Way) 
By  the  Western  Sea 


/s*7 


CALIFORNIA 

Your  letter  came  today  and  pleased  me  well — 
I'm  glad  to  sit  right  down  and  try  to  tell 
What  can  be  found  in  this  dear  "Golden  State"; 
Don't  think  I  over-draw;  /'//  tell  it  straight. 

Within  its  boundaries  you  can  find 
Most  every  climate  you  can  call  to  mind; 
Yet  for  the  most  part,  it  is  milder  here, 
And  nearly  ideal,  any  time  of  year. 

The  East  lies  buried  deep  in  ice  and  snow, 
When  here  the  grass  and  trees  their  greenest  show; 
The  sky  is  bright  and  sun  shines  clear  most  days 
In  California — theme  for  poet's  lays. 

Electric  lines,  like  giant  spider  webs, 
Convenience  give- — the  steam  roads'  prestige  ebbs; 
While  miles  of  boulevard  lie  beside  the  sea, 
And  lead  o'er  hill,  o'er  vale,  by  ranch  and  sea. 


You'd  see  great  droves  of  cattle — herds  of  sheep 

The  stock-farms,  truck-farms — -then  your  gaze  could  sweep 

O'er  groves  of  walnuts,  fields  of  cotton,  too; 

The  spineless  cactus — best  fodder  e'er  man  grew! 

Here  fields  of  sugar  beets  the  eye  will  please, 
And  sweet  alfalfa  waves  in  luscious  seas; 
In   Goachella  valley,   date  palms   spread — 
In  Yucaipa  land  grow  apples  big  and  red. 

The  ostrich  and  the  alligator  farms 

Afford  amusement — add  to  woman's  charms; 

The  San  Joaquin  valley  adds  its  tasty  store 

Of  figs,  grapes,  prunes  and  luscious  things  galore. 

But  the  greatest  thing  of  all  in  this  great  land 

Is  the  orange  grove — so  fragrant  and  so  grand; 

Casabas  sweet,  with  watermelons  vie, 

While  grape-fruit  and  peach  orchards  oft  you'll  spy. 

'Tis  in  Tulare  county  where  one  sees 
A  wonder  of  the  world — the  redwood  trees; 
Why,  there  are  some  near  thirty  feet  at  base, 
That  reach  three  hundred  feet  up  into  space! 


But  many  love  the  Eucalyptus  best — 
Some  stand  one  hundred  feet  from  ground  to  crest; 
While  in  the  background  loom  the  mountains  grim — 
Here's  scenery  to  meet  one's  every  whim. 

There's  beautiful  Lake  Tahoe — I  'most  forgot — 

A  splendid  place  to  go  to  fish  and  yacht; 

In  California's  marshes,  cranes  we  see — 

In  the  mountains,  wolves,  deer,  bears  and  lions  be! 

'Round  Bakersfield  comes  little  from  the  soil, 
But  there  a  world  of  wealth  comes  forth  in  oil; 
There's  scarce  a  thing  you'll  name,  but  here  is  found- 
Of  all  the  stuff  that's  taken  from  the  ground. 

Within  our  cities  one  can  go  and  find, 
In  color,  tongue,  religion — his  own  kind; 
Poor  folk  declare  this  climate  safest  yet — 
About  their  fuel  and  clothes,  they've  less  to  fret. 

This  State's  a  splendid  place  to  come  and  rest — 
And  those  who  can  stay  the  longest  are  most  blest; 
They  renew  their  joy  in  living — for  they  see 
One  place  where  things  are,  as  we'd  have  them  be ! 


So  many  come  for  health  and  find  it  here — 
Some  come  too  late  for  aught  to  help  or  cheer; 
Here  Father  Time  wears  an  indulgent  smile, 
And  for  the  old  folks,  just  turns  back  a  while! 

The  yards  and  hedges  yield  for  slightest  care, 
Profusion  great — there  are  flowers  everywhe 
Sweet  violets,  roses  and  geranium, 
Poinsettias,  poppy  and  chrysanthemum. 

Who  could  from  loving  flowers  now  refrain — 
Make  these  dear  smiles  of  God  exist  in  vain? 
Hydrangea,  hyacinth  and  lilies  white, 
Nasturtiums  and  sweet  peas,  e'en  bees  delight! 

The  gaudy  moths  and  butterflies  flit  past 
In  glad  parade — no  need  for  them  to  fast; 
The  humming  birds  call  California,   "home" — 
When  joy  and  food  abound,  what  need  to  roam? 

All  through  the  night  the  mocking  birds  here  sing; 
By  day,  red-headed  linnets  on  the  wing 
Fruit-robbers  prove — yet  pipe  sweet  tunes;  just  hark 
Yon  bull-finch  rivaling   nightingale  and  lark! 


Strut,  satin  blackbird — sing,  gay  oriole — 
Let  man  expand  his  sordid,  hardened  soul; 
The  sportive  seals  make  merry  'mid  the  rocks — 
Ducks,  geese  and  quail,  speed  marshward  in  gay  flocks. 

All  nature's  joyous — life  is  worth  the  while — 

Sure,  all  have  blessings — only  fools  revile; 

If  Fortune  lets  you  come  out  Sunset-way, 

You'll  swear  "Old  Co/"  's  the  place  wherein  to  stay! 


A  GOOD  WORLD 

Sometimes  the  best  of  us  get  down, 
And  dear  Dame  Fortune  seems  to  frown; 
Our  precious  friends  keep  finding  fault, 
And  fears  and  doubts  our  peace  assault; 
The  means  that  cheered  no  more  renews — 
We  admit  with  shame,  we've  got  the  blues! 
Then  some  blithe  comrade  heeds  the  call, 
And  say,  'tis  a  good  world  after  all! 

We're  none  of  us  so  big  and  strong 
But  need  some  cheer  to  help  along. 
We  need  the  human  touch,  and  word 
Of  kindly  interest — a  heart  yet  stirred 
With  warm  regard  .  These  prove  r»e  count! 
And  straightway  make  the  life-glow  mount; 
They  boost  the  spirits,  scale  the  wall — 
Aver,  'tis  a  good  world  after  all! 


10 


THE  QUEST  OF  LIFE 

The  wildest  song  of  joy, 

The  loftiest  words  of  praise, 
Bow  down  in  awe  and  silence — 

The  skill  of  Orpheus  stays! 
A  theme  too  grand  for  mortal  terms — 
The  Dawn  of  Bliss  now  heaven  affirms; 
The  Gift  of  Love — unbought,  unsnared, 
All  freed  of  self — with  grace  prepared. 

Oh,  is  this  really  true? 

What  merit  can  I  show? 
Of  beauty,  fame  or  riches 

No  dower  can  I  bestow. 
Nor  have  I  wrought  for  thee,  dear  heart, 
Nor  used  Dan  Cupid's  guile  or  dart. 
Pray  tell — hast  come  through  Fancy's  dream 
To  vanish  with  the  Day-star's  beam? 


11 


THE  MIRACLE  OF  LOVE 

The  miracle  of  love  has  come  to  me! 

The  Answer  to  my  voiceless  prayer  I  see. 

A  queen  among  her  kind  my  need  hath  guessed — 

Hath  brought  me  joy,  content,  and  sweetest  rest. 

O  gentle,  velvet  hands  that  raised  my  head 
From  dust  and  ashes,  and  about  me  spread 
The  magic  mantle  of  unselfish  love 
Exalted  thus  my  soul  to  planes  above. 

O  beaming  eyes  of  wondrous  hue  benign 
With  golden,  feminine  heart  and  mind  they  shine; 
They  gazed  on  me  with  understanding  sweet — 
With  loving  impulse,  warm  her  heart  then  beat. 

Sweet,  tender  lips — dear  arms  and  bosom  fair, 
How  dared  I  hope  that  I  might  nestle  there? 
And  clasp  you  yet  again  in  long  embrace — 
Press  raptured  kisses  on  your  neck  and  face! 

O  lovely  creature,  full  of  grace  and  charm, 
God  grant  that  none  shall  do  you  any  harm; 
Would  I  might  shield  and  guide  you  where  you  go — 
Companionship  and  service  humbly  show. 

For,  since  I  held  you,  life  hath  sweeter  grown — 
And  blessed  seeds  of  hope  and  joy  are  sown; 
Would  God  'twere  mutual — then  my  own  you'd  be — 
Rejoicing,  love  to  spend  your  life  with  me. 


12 


BROWN-EYES 

Brown-eyes  with  tender  light  aglow, 

Lotus-like,  wondrous  and  shy, 
Wherein  a  spirit  more  lovely  doth  show 

Than  the  temple  which  men  descry; 
Soft  thine  arms  and  tender  thy  breast; 
Womanly  charms  upon  thee  rest, 
Ah!   'tis  no  wonder  I  love  thee  best, 
Sweet  maid  with  the  tender  brown-eyes. 

Brown-eyes!      Intelligence  shining  there, 

Telling  of  progress  and  light, 
Would  you  could  tell  me  your  owner  does  care 

And  the  future  for  me  is  bright! 
Hers  the  touch  of  an  angel's  hand, 
Thrilling  with  joy  as  though  heaven  planned 
We'd  bless  each  other  and  understand — 
Dear  Love,  with  the  tender  brown-eyes. 


13 


BLUE  EYES 

Blue  eyes  that  smile  "good  morning," 

Beaming  with  loving  care, 
Watching,  to  tell  their  sweet  owner 

That  here  is  a  task  she  can  share ; 
Interest  and  constancy  kindling 

Love-lights  that  faithfully  shine, 
Though  her  soul  seem  to  be  faulty 

Its  virtues  but  prove  it  divine. 

CHORUS 

Love  brings  to  Life  sweetest  music — 

A  language  all  its  own; 
Speaking  in  look  and  contact, 

In  service  and  in  tone. 
She  is  my  loving  companion 

Binding  with  homely  ties; 
And  I'm  blessed  all  my  days,  in  a  thousand  ways 

By  her  of  the  sweet  blue  eyes! 

Blue  eyes,  with  gaze  so  unflinching 

Tell  of  a  heart  pure  as  dew, 
Ideals  a  wee  bit  old-fashioned 

But  sweet  as  the  summer's  review. 
Blue  eyes,  so  luminous,  tender, 

Their  evening  message  disclose; 
Calm  as  a  river  at  sunset, 

Trustful — as  a  God-child  who  knows! 

CHORUS 


14 


I'VE  FOUND  A  MAN 

Shoulders  broad  and  hips  so  trim, 
Sinews  tough  as  a  hickory  limb; 
Light  as  a  panther,  lithe  as  an  eel, 
Chest  like  a  greyhound — a  grip  like  steel; 
Lion  of  heart,  with  a  voice  that  rings, 
Tuned  like  a  harp  of  a  thousand  strings; 
As  kind  as  brave  and  as  brave  as  strong — 
My  heart  with  him  he  took  along. 

REFRAIN 

I've  found  a  man  I  can  love  for  aye — 
I've  found  a  comrade  for  work  and  play; 
Ne'er  known  such  joy  as  now  thrills  with  gl 
The  greatest  love  has  come  to  me! 

Mind  as  keen  as  Damascus  steel — 
Able  to  grapple  with  any  deal; 
Genial  spirit — generous  too — 
Gifted  with  conscience,  leal  and  true; 
I  know  by  his  frame  he  can  play  a  man's  rol( 
I  see  by  his  thoughts  he's  a  noble  soul; 
I  see  by  his  eye  he's  sincere — wants  me — 
With  joy  I'll  yield  to  Love's  decree! 

REFRAIN 

I've  found  the  man  I  can  love  for  aye — 
I've  found  my  comrade  for  work  and  play; 
Ne'er  known  such  joy  as  now  thrills  with  gl 
The  man  I  love  is  loving  me! 


15 


REMEMBERED 

Sweetheart,  the  days  and  nights  are  long — 
Night-birds  echo  my  lonely  song; 
Nor  sigh  nor  song  my  heart  relieve 
From  dark  till  dawn  or  morn  till  eve. 
What  though  I  dream  of  wish  fulfilled, 
The  yearning  yet  remains  unstilled; 
'Tis  you  I  crave — to  you  I  cleave — 
From  dark  till  dawn  and  morn  till  eve. 

REFRAIN 

My  Consolation — Sweet  Repose — 
With  yours  my  soul  e'er  linking, 

Of  all  the  world  'twas  you  I  chose, 
Of  you  then,  still,  I'm  thinking. 

The  distant  hills  lie  blue  and  grand 
Like  sea-waves  made  by  master-hand; 
As  sure  as  they,  my  love  receive 
From  dark  till  dawn  and  morn  till  eve. 
Thy  living  presence  bring  to  me — 
Nor  fancy  aught  can  solace  be 
But  thine  own  self;  thy  joy  come  weave 
From  dark  till  dawn  and  morn  till  eve. 

REFRAIN 


16 


A  HAPPY  PAIR 

Soft  the  perfumed  air  is  blowing 

Sweetly  sing  the  happy  birds, 
Shines  the  splendid  sun,  bestowing 

Kindly  beams  like  gracious  words; 
Love  by  equal  love  reflected 

Claims  its  own  as  two  agree; 
Call  and  Answer ,  heard,  respected — 

Holy  ties  that  bind,  yet  free. 

Now  the  best  in  them  exalted, 

Faith  and  Hope  with  Love  descried, 
Tender  thoughts  and  joy  in  service 

Humanness  thus  glorified. 
Joy  be  theirs,  today,  tomorrow — 

Harmony  and  rapport  new; 
God  revealing,  scouting  sorrow — 

Progress   all   their  whole  lives  through. 


FAREWELL 

We  have  packed  your  things  for  travel, 
Wished  you  both  all  wedded  bliss 

While  each  thing  we  have  handled 
We've  foreseen  we'll  often  miss. 

All  is  done  save  bidding  God-speed 
And  we're  holding  back  our  tears 

As  we  hope  for  a  re-union 

Ere  the  months  have  grown  to  years. 

May  the  ties  that  bind  grow  stronger 
As  the  scroll  of  life  unrolls; 

May  each  find,  before  much  longer, 
Fond  ambition's  worthiest  goals. 

Don't  forget  we're  watching,  waiting — 
Keeping  home-fires  burning,  too; 

Fame  and  Fortune  raise  your  rating — 
But — come  home  and  joys  renew. 


18 


LITTLE  BLOSSOM 

O  sweet  little  blossom  so  stately  and  gay 
Reflecting  Cod's  sunshine  in  your  blessed  way, 
It's  good  that  you're  with  us — a  gift  from  above — 
The  world  would  be  darker  without  you  to  love. 

O  sweet  little  blossom,  we're  watching  you  grow — 
Unfolding  quite  flower-like  as  years  come  and  go; 
And  birthdays,  it  seems,  are  adding  so  fast 
While  each  phase  of  childhood  too  quickly  is  passed. 

O  sweet  little  blossom,  our  refuge  is  here: 
That  you  are  Cod's  child  and  there's  nothing  to  fear! 
We'd  help  you  to  choose  the  best  use  of  your  time, 
And  onward  and  upward  in  progress  to  climb. 


GOOD  CHEER 

My  heart  with  love  o'erflowing, 

In  all  around  I  see 
But  beauty,  joy  and  kindness — 

A  world  from  gloom  set  free; 
The  sky  so  soft,  in  azure  deep, 
The  radiant  sun  with  quickening  sweep; 
Awake,  rejoice,  with  vision  clear, 
Now  spread  the  gospel  of  Good  Cheer! 

The  birds  their  paeans  singing, 

The  flowers  in  myriad  hues, 
In  grateful  rapture  springing, 

Their  happy  homage  choose; 
With  nature  glad,  shall  man  be  sad 
And  let  his  thought  with  gloom  be  clad? 
Awake,  rejoice!   thy  vision  clear — 
Come  share  with  me  the  real  Good  Cheer! 


WHAT  IS  LOVE 

I 

Pray  tell  me,  what  is  love? 

Is  it  an  ardent  fire 
Which  burns  insatiate — 

Incontinent  desire? 
Is  it  a  white-heat  flame 

Which  full  control  assumes 
The  powers  of  the  frame 

All  heedlessly  consumes? 

Pray  tell  me,  what  is  love? 

The  lure  of  sense-delight 
That  makes  you  disregard 

The  morrow  and  the  right? 
Convenience,  comfort,  mood 

Of  your  companion,  till 
You  clutch  the  witching  food 

And  gain  th'  ecstatic  thrill? 

Or  yet,  is  love  the  thing 

That  casts  respect  aside 
To  let  self  revel,  king, 

Nor  lofty  thoughts  abide, 
As  does  dumb  brute  whose  mind 

Is  limited  to  sense, 
And  as  a  creature,  find 

Such  course  life's  recompense? 

The  answer  yet  I  seek — 

A  sane  reply  I  crave; 
Let  him  with  wisdom  speak — 

The  need  for  Truth  is  grave. 
Is  love  companionship 

In  idleness  and  ease 
Long  tarrying  where  you  yield 

And  appetites  appease? 


21 


II 

What  is  love? 

Let  you  have  conquered  fleshly  urge — 

Attained  to  intellect's  lofty  height — 
But  deign  to  heed  my  cry — diverge; 

From  your  plateau  of  thought  recite. 
Is  love  the  cold  impassive  claim 

Of  appreciation,  virtue,  worth, 
Intelligence,  skill  and  lofty  aim — 

Which  knows  more  dignity  than  mirth — 
And  scorns  the  pleading  humanness 

Of  this,  the  being  chosen  then, 
To  be  the  nearest,  dearest;  yes, 

Your  chum  in  all  your  kind  may  ken? 

Will  it  scorn  Dame  Nature's  plain-told  plan — 

Her  bounteous  gifts,  which  should  rejoice; 
Or  grace  and  charm,  releasing  ban 

On  sight  and  sound  and  smell  and  choice? 
The  pulsing  flesh  that  waits  the  touch 

Which  in  one  blissful  moment  pays 
For  all  the  fights  that  cost  so  much 

And  all  the  grief  of  life  allays? 

Will  love  despise  the  fond  caress — 

The  throbbing  frame  that  longs  to  bless; 
The  heart  that  pleads  to  sacrifice — 

And  counts  no  pain  too  great  a  price 
But  yearns  to  comfort,  rest  and  give, 

If  but  thereby  the  mate  may  live. 
Will  love  forget — replace  so  soon 

This  comradeship — life's  dearest  boon? 


22 


Will  it  hold  asceticism  right 

And  humanness  but  carnal  mind — 
Constrain  the  child  to  coldly  slight, 

Condemn  its  mother,  nature-blind? 
Do  you  say,  affection's  foolish  stuff 

That  infant  fondling  really  seems 
But  mammal  instinct,  sure  enough, 

And  kisses,  fit  for  Judas'  schemes! 

Ill 
Arise,  ye  souls  that  claim  to  be  re-born, 

And  left  the  toys  of  infancy  behind; 
The  lure  of  Hedonism  who've  learned  to  scorn — 

The  things  of  present  life,  for  heaven  resigned. 
Tell  me.     Is  love  that  vague,  ethereal  thing, 

Impersonal  essence,  straight  from  Paradise 
That  makes  man  live  the  Golden  Rule  and  cling 

To  habits  of  philanthropy  precise? 
That  lifts  the  robber's  victim  from  the  dust 

Or  gutter-fallen  son  of   Bacchus  takes 
To  sheltering  arms  of  home,  new  hope  and  trust? 

Which  prompts  a  vice  crusade — or  slumming,  makes 
A  show  of  kind  concern,  dispensing  tracts 

Among  soiled  doves  who  missed  the  happier  way — 
Feels  duly  shocked  to  see  what  Shame  enacts — 

To  view  these  wrecks  and  degradation's  prey? 

Define  love  clear.     Is  it  love  that  doth  endow 

A  hospital  or  more  where  the  poor  may  pitch, 
Or  is  such  done  that  Fame  may  view;  avow 

The  giver  grgeat.     Behold — one  man  was  rich! 
Or  is  it  love  that  stands  betwixt  a  man  , 

And  his  just  sentence  as  the  mighty  can, 
Or  is  their  clemency  more  but  to  impress 

The  masses  and  make  show  of  tenderness? 


23 


Have  patience  with  me — do  not  scorn  to  tell 

So  my  untutored  soul  may  grasp  the  sense! 
Is  it  love  that  gives  up  all  that  pleases  well 

To  go  to  foreign  lands  and  there  dispense 
One's  own  preferred  religion  to  those  folk 

Of  other  tongues — but  notions  quite  as  clear 
As  ours,  regarding  Truth;  who  light  invoke 

And  worship  God  with  holy  faith  and  fear? 
Perceive  no  need  of  doctrines  new,  and  creeds 

That  seem  the  fruit  of  Holy  Writ.  They  feel, 
Too  many  sects  and  zealots'  points  but  feed 

Dissensions,  and  great  verities  conceal. 
They  too  with  me  would  ask:  Oh,  is  this  love — 

Which  feels  no  personal  regard  for  one, 
And  none  more  close  or  dear — none  stand  above 

The  rest,  in  thought  and  heart — no  ties  begun? 

IV 

Avaunt!     Ye  all  are  warped,  the  issue  waive; 

Ye  stall  and  speak  with  faltering  tongue 
And  logic  quite  as  dull  as  earthling's  grave, 

When  on  this  matter  ye  should  be  full  strung. 
When  human  wisdom  fails  to  qualify — 

When  sages,  seers  and  prophets  shrug  and  shirk 
Mayhap  some  simple  God-child  such  as  I 

Can  tell  the  story — pierce  the  fog  and  murk. 

Ah  love!  to  know  thee  is  to  live  indeed! 

'Tis  love  deals  gently,  kindly  all  the  way — 
Expresses  life,  meets  every  shade  of  need, 

Creates  all  beauty's  marvelous  array; 
Calls  forth  the  grand  parade  of  Wisdom's  part, 

Fills  all  God's  universe  with  joy  and  good, 
With  oil  for  every  head  and  balm  for  heart, 

Gives  all  a  use  and  place  as  Wisdom  should. 


24 


'Tis  Love  inspires,  uplifts  and  glorifies — 
Brings  out  the  latent  powers  and  good  descries 
In  everything  about — or  low  or  high — 
And  knows  it  is  the  Truth  that  God  is  nigh. 
So  on  this  plane,  'tis  only  worth  the  name 
When  equal  in  each  phase.     Our  present  frame 
Needs  ministrations — body,  mind  and  soul — 
And  no  one  part  may  claim  to  be  the  whole. 

By  loyal,  earnest  loving,  here  on  earth, 

We  win  promotion — gain  a  higher  birth. 

To  bear  and  forbear,  vanquish  self,  we  learn — 

That  only  good  can  bless  we  thus  discern. 

We  see  it  is  our  blessed  part  to  be 

The  best  of  what  we  are — high  humans — free 

To  choose  our  course  and  harvest  what  we  sow 

Old  carnal  mind  is  dross  we  must  outgrow. 

Ah,  Love  is  understanding,  sympathy; 

It  longs  to  help — it  scouts  all  tyranny, 

'Tis  Love  that  doeth  good — casts  out  all  fear; 

It  is  of  God — fills  heart  and  life  with  cheer! 


25 


I  WONDER  WHY 

I  wonder  why  there  seems  no  other  way 

To  rise,  except  we  fall ;  or  flowers  gay 

With  concentrated  fragrance  only  bless 

When  torn  from  state  and  crushed  within  a  press? 

That  better  qualified  to  win,  each  soul 

Which  earnest  strives,  yet  fails  to  win  its  goal? 

Why  hopes  deferred  till  anguished,  sick,  we  cry, 

Seem  best  for  growth?  Ah  me — I  wonder  why? 

I  wonder  why  the  Truth  is  hard  to  see — 

Why  we  can  be  misled  and  few  agree; 

Why  some  who  yearn  for  light  but  find  the  dark — 

Defeat  and  bondage  seem  each  life  to  mark? 

Why  'tis  so  rare  to  find  one  who  can  bless — 

Can  give  us  courage  by  their  tenderness; 

Why  swine  can  lure  the  pearls — nor  know,  nor  try, 

While  those  who  strive  get  naught — I  wonder  why  ? 

I  wonder  why  with  chance  so  rare  and  fleet, 
In  vain  I  sued  for  mercy  at  your  feet, 
And  shameless  bared  my  ardent,  weary  soul — 
Believed  we  understood  and  echoed  toll; 
Why  choice  of  words  or  passing  mood  offends, 
When  still  the  heart  no  bitterness  intends, 
But  only  yearns  to  help  and  bless  and  try 
To  speak  in  fond  caress — I  wonder  why? 


26 


I  wonder  why  your  graceful,  curving  lips, 

Your  rounding  cheek,  soft  eyes,  and  charm,  eclipse 

The  women-folk  that  I  have  chanced  to  meet — 

In  all  that  heart  could  wish  you  seem  replete; 

Yet  like  a  mirage  in  the  desert  waste 

You  came,  a  vision  sweet — but  soon  effaced; 

Since,  "while  we  ma;p,  I  could  not  qualify 

For  fellowship  with  you — I  wonder  why? 

I  wonder  why  so  seldom  realized 

Are  those  sweet  dreams  we  have  idealized, 

And  things  we  think  we  want  and  fight  to  get 

Prove  void  of  satisfaction  when  they're  met; 

And  priceless  treasures  offer  but  in  vain — 

Are  scorned,  e'en  when  one  knows  rebuff  will  pain! 

But  if  hereby  you're  spared  one  anguished  sigh, 

"Tis  better  so.     And  yet — I  wonder  why? 

I  wonder  why  the  secret  still  is  hid 

Of  how  to  get  all  good  and  peace ;  and  rid 

Our  consciousness  of  all  that  blights  and  grieves — 

So  he  who  toils  the  fairer  wage  receives! 

If  it  must  be  that  I  but  yearn  in  vain 

And  strive  unblessed — the  ministry  of  pain — 

I'll  do  my  bit,  (since  you  reward  deny!), 

Why  cheat  us  both — O  Love,  pray  tell  me  why? 


27 


I  wonder  why  this  trial  has  come  to  me — 
What  ancient  CAUSE  made  this  RESULT  to 
Demands  that  I  may  ardent  soul  must  quell, 
Resist  your  charm — the  gifts  I  love  so  well! 
Must  cease  my  pretty  speeches,  act  so  cool — 
Renounce  the  role  of  sentimental  fool! 
To  hopes  of  sweet  communion  say  goodbye — 
Go  on,  accept  my  fate — but  wonder,  why  ? 

I  wonder  why,  in  spite  of  thought  and  grit 
It  proves  so  hard  to  find  a  place  we'll  fit — 
The  thing  we  want  is  ofttlmes  out  of  reach — 
And  all  our  struggles  fail  to  span  the  breach; 
From  glint  of  silken  tress  of  red-wood  hue 
To  sole  of  grace-wise  feet,  all  told,  you're  you! 
Who  takes  of  joy  must  pay  in  sob  and  sigh, 
I'll  cease — you  say  I  must!     I  wonder  why? 

I  wonder  why  'tis  not  my  lot  to  give 

All  that  you  wish  and  pray  for.    Yet  you'll  live 

Perchance,  to  see  it  is  the  simple  fact 

That  none  could  furnish  all — aye,  something  lacked! 

I  beg  you  be  not  ruthless  now,  forsooth, 

But  yield  to  reason,  face  the  cruel  truth! 

The  strongest  man  or  thing  must  shortly  die — 

But  has  his  day.     Is  this  not  mine?     Then  why? 


28 


A  WOMAN'S  LOVE 

Mere  man — so  dull  thou  art  of  ear  and  eye, 
To  read  a  woman's  soul,  small  use  to  try; 
E'en  though  in  other  things  thy  wit  be  keen, 
The  vastness  of  her  depths  remain  unseen. 
All  man  beholds  is  that  which,  mirrored  now, 
His  ardent  self,  just  when  she  doth  allow 
Upon  her  surface — as  when  two  souls  touch — 
Man  bows  in  awe  that  she  can  love  so  much! 

Hence,  seldom  fair  esteemed  or  understood, 

She  must  add  patience  to  her  store  of  good; 

Must  rise  to  towering  heights  and  find  reward 

In  learning  unself-ed  love  doth  joy  afford! 

A  mere  man,  such  as  I,  may  never  gain 

So  high  a  sphere — a  fit  response  sustain; 

Yet  I  recall  with  awe  your  deeds  and  touch — 

Who  would  have  dreamed  that  you  could  love  so  much? 


ANCHORAGE 

Bursting  with  joy  this  glad  heart  seems — 

The  world  with  glory  glows; 
With  music  sweet  anon  it  teems, 

All  fair  the  breeze  that  blows. 

Loveliest  creature  ever  seen — 

At  last  my  heart  finds  rest; 
My  peerless,  radiant,  gentle  queen, 

Thou  art  life's  dearest,  best. 

Fair,  creamy  white  thy  velvet  sheath — 

Thine  eyes  so  tender,  sweet; 
All  womanly  the  soul  beneath — 

With  charm  thou  art  replete. 

Gladly  I  pass  the  giddy  throngs — 

Sensations  new  they  seek; 
Their  laughter,  empty  as  their  songs, 

Their  way,  all  downward,  bleak! 

Glorious  the  guerdon  of  thy  breast! 

Within  thy  loving  arms 
Is  quiet  joy,  and  peace  and  rest — 

Heart-home  that  lifts  and  charms! 

Thy  silken  hair — I  love  its  sheen; 

Thy  form  so  soft  and  round; 
Thy  lips  whose  graceful  curves  I  ween, 

For  lingering  kisses  bound. 


30 


While  I  adore  thine  outward  mask, 

I'm  happier  still  to  know 
Thou  hast  a  mind — nor  shirk  thy  task, 

And  daily  progress  show. 

Heart  that  forgives — nor  charges  fault — 

I  think  of  thee  with  tears 
Of  grateful  yearning;  you  exalt 

And  scout  despair  and  fears! 

Ambitious,  energetic  too, 

And  loyal  to  the  core 
I'll  love  you  all  our  whole  lives  through, 

Sweet  pal — then  better,  more. 


BECAUSE  I  KNOW  YOU  LOVE  ME 

How  fair  and  bright  the  world  all  seems; 
Fulfilled  are  all  life's  dearest  dreams; 
With  hope  and  joy  the  future  gleams 
Because  I   know  you  love  me! 

I  fear  no  ill,  I  know  no  care, 

And  good  seems  blooming  everywhere — 

No  longer  hard  the  way  I  fare, 

Because  I  know  you  love  me! 

The  zephyrs  blow  a  kind  caress, 
The  world  seems  full  of  tenderness; 
While  all  I  touch  essays  to  bless, 

Because  I   know  you  love  me! 

How  good  it  seems  to  be  alive! 
Now  higher  impulse  seems  to  thrive; 
No  longer  need  I  search  and  strive — 
Because  I  know  you  love  me! 

The  air  seems  filled  with  sweet  perfume, 
The  earth,  the  sky,  seem  all  a-bloom, 
And  lonely  grief  no  more  finds  room 
Because  I  know  you  love  me! 

All  is  success — I've  found  my  Prize! 
Behold  love's  blessing  in  your  eyes! 
Whate'er  my  lot,  for  you  I'll  rise, 
Because  I  know  you  love  me! 


32 


THE  NARROW  WAY 

None  but  the  good  are  beautiful, 
None  but  the  kind  are  truly  great; 
None  but  the  wise  are  dutiful, 
None  but  the  faithless  hesitate. 

Only  the  grateful  can  rejoice — 

Only  the  honest  rest  in  peace. 

Only  the  meek  are  soft  of  voice,' 

Only  the  patient  gain  release! 

THE  LODESTAR 

With  fear  and  doubt  enthralling 

The  mortal  Adam-man, 
Will,  cannot  save  from  falling, 

Nor  bless  the  dearest  plan; 
The  cup  of  worldly  pleasure 

Yields  naught  but  bitter  dregs; 
And  empty  proves  earth's  measure — 

In  vain  for  joy  he  begs. 

But  for  the  man  who  catches 

A  glimmer  of  the  Truth, 
Comes  power  that  more  than  matches 

All  claims  of  ill,  forsooth. 
"Let  there  be  light!"  said  Godhead — 

And  there  was  light  indeed; 
So  shall  the  child,  illumined, 

Find  cure  for  every  need. 


33 


SEEKER'S  SONG 

O  Sun  of  Truth,  dawn  thou  on  us  who  wait; 

Open  our  eyes. 
The  mists  of  mortal  thought  now  penetrate — 

Destroy  its  lies. 
Systems  of  thought  and  creeds  in  countless  throng 

Veil  heavenly  skies; 
They  teach  sincerely  wrong. 

O  D ay-Star,  many  say  thou' It  come  again 

In  human  form; 
Come  as  a  thief  at  night  and  none  know  when — 

Wilt  all  transform. 
Yearning  for  truth,  our  hearts  now  overflow; 

Mark  Error's  storm — 
Make  haste — we  need  thee  so! 

Look  on  the  tears  by  earnest  seekers  shed — 

Their  ceaseless  search; 
Perplexed,  bewildered,  and  so  oft  misled, 

They  can  but  lurch. 
Those  promises  fulfill  that  we  may  know 

Thy  Body — Church; 
Come  Lord,  we  need  thee  so! 


34 


WAITING 

0  mother — it  is  night  and  time  to  pray; 

1  kneel  in  holy  silence  in  the  way 

You  taught  me  in  my  early  childhood's  course 
And  nurtured  daily.     Thus  Prayer's  gentle  force 
Still  permeates  my  heart  and  life;  dost  see? 
Ah,  tend  me  now  as  here  the  world  I  flee 
To  seek  a  closer  touch  with  God  above 
And  strive  to  feel  e'en  now,  your  tender  love. 

'Tis  not  so  long  ago  you  took  your  way 
To  realms  beyond  the  ken  of  mortal  clay; 
But  hours  and  days  drag  by  with  leaden  feet 
And  only  night  is  good  when  solace  sweet 
Is  lent  me  as  when  Morpheus'  kind  embrace 
Brings  sleep's  forgetfulness  a  little  space — 
Till  with  the  morning's  light  I  wake  to  know 
You  are  not  here;  and  Ah,  I  miss  you  so! 

O  mother,  what  though  every  earthly  need 
Be  fully  met,  and  all  you  planned  proceed — 
My  schooling,  culture — all  a  girl  should  own — 
A  healthy  body,  now  an  adult  grown; 
And  while  my  heart  with  gratitude  o'erflows, 
For  all  of  this,  yet  Time  a  laggard  goes 
Since  nevermore  on  earth  thy  face  I'll  see 
And  though  I  call,  you  cannot  come  to  me. 

Those  happy,  golden  days,  O  mother  dear, 
When  you,  my  friend  and  comrade,  still  wert  near 
Must  e'er  remain  the  sweetest  of  my  life — 
With  your  companionship,  Ah,  joy  was  rife; 
Would  God  your  tender  touch  could  reach  me  now — 
Your  wealth  of  love  and  understanding  still  endow 
The  course  of  life.     I'll  wait  my  call  with  grace, 
But  miss  you  so — a  loss  naught  can  replace! 


35 


HEART  COURAGEOUS 

(a  cruce  salus) 

Though  black  my  night  with  sullen  gloom, 
Though  ripping  lightnings  threaten  doom, 
Though  loud  the  thunders  crash  and  boom, 
soul  goes  on  unshaken! 


Though  torrents  pour  and  chasms  yawn, 
The  treacherous  way  make  life  a  pawn, 
The  "better  day"  forget  to  dawn, 
Thank  God  I  stand  unbeaten! 

It  matters  not  how  oft  I  fall  — 
What  troubles  tower,  what  demons  maul, 
What  tricks  or  lies  essay  to  pall, 
/  am  —  /  £non>  —  I'll  conquer! 

No  circumstance  shall  crush  me  down  — 
I'll  gain  the  heights  though  Fate  still  frown; 
/'//  claim  my  right  of  Good  —  my  crown; 
The  Truth-way  Home,  I've  taken! 


THE  ULTIMATE 

Darkness — thick — that  can  be  felt; 

Misery,  mud  and  mire; 
Labor  and  strife  to  each  one  dealt, 

Affliction's  torturing  fire. 

Winter-storms  and  bitter  cold, 

Skies  o'ercast  and  gray, 
Comfort  lean  and  hardship  bold — 

New  problems  every  day. 

Anger  leaping  to  the  throat — 

Criticism  rife; 
Times  of  peace  and  joy  remote — 

What  bitterness  in  life! 

See!  the  dawning  Sun  shines  out — 

Darkness  disappears; 
Error's  legions  put  to  rout, 

With  all  its  doubts  and  fears. 

Old  things  now  are  passed  away 

As  Truth  is  understood; 
No  matter  how  things  seem  today, 

The  END,  the  REAL,  is  GOOD! 


37 


IL  CAMMING* 
(The  Way) 

The  Path — a  tortuous  Way  we  all  must  tread 
From  cradle  warm  to  lonely  bed  of  ground. 

Whereon  are  problems,  cares,  all  thickly  spread, 
And  disappointments,  sore  defeats  abound. 

So  must  it  be  till  Truth  is  understood — 

Till  mortals  scout  the  dross  of  carnal  mind; 

Adopt  the  law  of  love — do  only  good, 
Rejoice  in  service,  love  but  to  be  kind. 

In  tenderness,  the  faults  and  failings  hide 
Of  these  thy  brethren  on  the  road  today; 

Bind  thou  the  stranger's  wounds — forbear  to  chide; 
And  comfort  one  another  on  the  Way. 


^Italian — meaning,   the  path,   the  road,  the  course,   the 
way  of  a  journey. 


38 


BY  THE 


Queen  of  the  earth,  O  peerless  one! 

Thine  unveiled  charms  may  none  resist; 
But  captive  bow,  all  fairly  done, 

And  crowned  by  lovers  thou  hast  kissed ; 
Thy  glorious  mountains,  bosom  fair, 
Thy  fertile  valleys  graces  rare; 
Thy  dazzling  sunsets  vanquish  care — 

Dear  California! 

REFRAIN 

By  the  western  sea, 
Is  the  fairest  lea — 
No  room  for  care 
In  you  or  me; 
Hear  the  zephyr's  tune 
In  the  treetops  croon! 
Hours  flit  by  too  soon 
In  California. 

Here,  sweet  fulfillment  of  a  dream, 

Edenic  peace  and  beauty  reign; 
While  flow'r  and  fern  and  fragrance  seem 

An  endless,  gorgeous,  happy  train. 
At  eve  the  star-gemmed  crown  of  blue 

To  raise  the  gaze  from  earth  will  sue; 
No  soul's  forlorn  who  dares  to  woo 

Sweet  California! 

REFRAIN 
39 


Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 
Syracuse,  N.Y. 

PAT. 


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